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Senior Gameplay Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Echtra Games

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and collaborate with a team of veteran developers to create engaging gameplay experiences. Responsibilities : • Understand ...

31st Union

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...

31st Union

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...

Tencent

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$137K - $257K/yr

Design, implement, and support quality gameplay systems and tools, focusing on melee combat, ranged (weapon-based) combat, and combat AI * Collaborate directly and proactively with engineers ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.

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Senior Gameplay Programmer information

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How much do senior gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior gameplay programmer in California is $51.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.41 and $61.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Senior Gameplay Programmer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

As a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you'll frequently work with designers, artists, and QA testers to bring gameplay features to life. Your role involves translating design concepts into functional game mechanics, debugging issues, and ensuring smooth integration with art and audio assets. Regular meetings and agile workflows are common, allowing you to provide technical input early in the feature design process and iterate quickly based on feedback. Strong communication skills are essential, as you'll often act as a bridge between creative and technical teams to ensure the game's vision is realized efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Gameplay Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you need advanced programming skills (typically in C++ or C#), a deep understanding of game mechanics, and several years of experience in game development. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, version control systems, and sometimes a degree in computer science or related fields are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with designers and artists. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering high-quality, engaging gameplay experiences and leading technical innovation within a game development team.

What are Senior Gameplay Programmers?

Senior Gameplay Programmers are experienced software developers who focus on creating and implementing the interactive elements of video games, such as controls, mechanics, and player interactions. They collaborate closely with designers, artists, and other programmers to bring the game's vision to life, ensuring a smooth and engaging player experience. In addition to programming, they often mentor junior staff, participate in code reviews, and help shape the technical direction of the game. Their expertise is crucial in solving complex technical challenges and optimizing gameplay systems for performance and fun.
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in California? The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in California? For Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings:
Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 62% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,312 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Echtra Games

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Echtra Games is a small game studio in San Francisco with a team of veteran game developers. They are searching for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and craft the future of the studio. The role involves collaborating with engineers, designers, and artists to create engaging gameplay systems and enhance the user experience.
Responsibilities:
• Understand the game design and make it a reality.
• Collaborate with other engineers, designers, and artists to craft a great user experience.
• Decide what’s needed and take the lead on building and polishing it.
Qualifications:
Required:
• You're comfortable working in C++
• You've built multiple gameplay systems before and have shipped them to users
• You're at home working on a large game engine
Preferred:
• Experience building RPG gameplay systems
• Experience working with Unreal Engine 4
• Experience shipping on a major console like XBox or PlayStation
• A love and passion for gaming
Company:
Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of action role-playing games. It is a sub-organization of Zynga. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.

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